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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Luke Traynor

Mental health foundation launched in memory of Creamfields dad

A man who helped organise for a tragic dad-of-one's ashes to be fired out of a confetti cannon by Tiesto at Creamfields is setting up a mental health charity called "Rave to Save."

Stuart Mitchell, 30, sadly took his own life in July, which two Liverpool lads discovered when they bought his readvertised festival tickets from his dad.

Cousins Ryan and Liam Millen, from Liverpool, agreed to carry out his request for his son's ashes to be scattered at the Daresbury site in Halton.

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But they went many steps further, carrying a large banner around the festival with Stuart's picture, and the message "This last dance is for you mate."

And as a final tribute, they managed to arrange for the Norwich man's ashes to be fired out of a confetti cannon onto a huge crowd of revellers by world-famous DJ Tiesto during his headline set.

Now, after Stuart's story was picked up nationally and internationally, the Millens have decided to launch The Rave to Save Foundation to raise awareness and prevent suicide.

Stuart Mitchell, with his family (Laura Mitchell)

Mental health campaigner and model Rebecca McAllister has signed up to the charity and will also be one of its trustees.

Ryan, from Halewood, told the ECHO: "We'll be going to various events with our banners trying to promote our message.

"Since the sad news about Stuart and Creamfields broke, the pace hasn't slowed, it's accelerated.

"I've been inundated by people talking about their own mental health experiences and how they've been affected by suicidal thoughts.

"I myself have lost six people I knew due to suicide.

"Just one is one too many.

Tributes to Stuart Mitchell at Creamfields, 2021 (Ryan Millen)

"The foundation will be all about helping people with problems.

"Stuart's family are involved and are helping to design the logo and we remain regularly in touch with them."

An online campaign remains underway to raise money for an online memorial to Stuart - to donate, visit here

Laura Mitchell, Stuart's sister, told the ECHO: "We've seen all the photos and footage from Creamfields and we're really overwhelmed.

"My mum is overjoyed as she feels his legacy remains and how he was loved even by strangers.

Tributes to Stuart Mitchell at Creamfields, 2021 (Ryan Millen)

"It's helping me, too, with my grieving.

"So it's bitter sweet, obviously Stuart has passed away, but what happened at Creamfields is amazing, celebrating his lifer but also raising awareness for those struggling with their mental health."

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